Suggestions to replace Canon S90

Hi,

I'm thinking of replacing my old Canon S90 as I'd like something that takes better video. The option to shoot in RAW would also be nice, but not a deal breaker.

I'd prefer a Canon as I'm a long time user so familiar with menu layouts etc.

I haven't been keeping up with what's hot and what's not in the compact world, so was hoping to get a few suggestions to look into.

I should also add that I'm looking for a jack of all trades - some landscape, some sport, holiday snaps etc...

I see a new SX710, but haven't seen many reviews. Does anyone have any thoughts on this as a replacement for the S90?

Thanks!

As an add-on to this question, what would you guys think about getting the S120 at this stage of its life cycle? It seems to offer most of what I want, with the G7x being the only alternative that offers everything (except a price within my budget!)

I know nothing about other brands, but am considering this now - I have no idea what models to be looking at (or even what brands!)

Thanks again.

I am in a similar boat to you, a long-time (happy) S90 user (who also just upgraded my superzoom from the SX10 to the SX50 and have been amazed by the image stabilization (can take fairly clear images at 1/6!) and clarity even with the relatively slow lens; but I digress). I considered in replacing the S90:

• Canon S120 (good price, great size, but the sensor size is still tiny--I wanted more)
• Canon G7X (too expensive for me for right now (except for grey market) but otherwise sounds very good, even though the battery life is not great; 1" sensor; form factor seems similar to the S90)
• Sony RX100m3 (too expensive; zoom only goes to 70mm but has some strengths vs. the G7X; 1" sensor, similar form factor to G7X)
• Sony RX100m2 or RX100m1 (less expensive and still on the market)
• a mirrorless system (e.g., Olympus PEN E-PL5 or Sony A6000) -- much bigger sensor, better low light sensitivity (or maybe that depends on the lens) but also not as pocketable unless you go with something like a 22mm pancake lens

In the end, my acquisition-fever-obsession was muted when I pulled the trigger on the then $199 refurbished Canon S50, which it will take some time for me to learn (the biggest thing that trips me up now is that the battery/memory card opening mechanism flicks inward where the SX10's flicks outwards ).

I've decided to stick with the S90 for now until the next round of price slashing, perhaps when the G7Xm2 comes out.

I did not consider any of the travel superzooms like the Canon SX710.

I think the S120 is probably the front runner for me at the moment - most of the features I want and a great price. I'm just concerned I'll buy it and an update will be announced the next day!

Size and weight, ease of 'pocketability' basically, is important, as is a reasonably flush design. I will pocket carry while doing sports, and don't want something very 'sticky outy' that could cause injury if I fell on it. If it weren't for that I'd take my 5D MkII and 24-105 along without a second thought.

In terms of the small sensor size in the S120, what is the potential drawback?

Thanks!

I think the S120 is probably the front runner for me at the moment - most of the features I want and a great price. I'm just concerned I'll buy it and an update will be announced the next day!

Size and weight, ease of 'pocketability' basically, is important, as is a reasonably flush design. I will pocket carry while doing sports, and don't want something very 'sticky outy' that could cause injury if I fell on it. If it weren't for that I'd take my 5D MkII and 24-105 along without a second thought.

In terms of the small sensor size in the S120, what is the potential drawback?

Thanks!

The larger sensor will allow g7x to take cleaner shots at higher ISOs. There are a few other advantages as well. The bright aperture when zooming, tilt display, manual video shooting, more dramtic bokeh/DOF if taking portrait style shots can be very nice.

That being said, the s120 is a great little camera. Most who've owned it have loved it. Its half the price and takes quite decent low light shots. Here are a few samples. Also see what user Boogisha has done. Some great work there from him. But you'll have to search out his posts.
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3748601

Thanks for that. I've pretty much decided on the S120, and those examples you linked have pushed me a bit farther in that direction. Most of what I will be shooting in will be bright light, so higher ISO performance isn't really a big factor for me. The G7x is just a bit too expensive for me in this particular niche.

Just a shame they didn't update the model in this morning's announcement! Other than the fact it's an older model now, it's pretty much what I'm after. Plus, at its current price, an upgrade in a couple of years won't be quite as painful.

Yes, I think decision is made! Thanks for the input!

damian5000 wrote:

Also see what user Boogisha has done. Some great work there from him. But you'll have to search out his posts.

Thanks for the kind words, damian5000 

Markdh, here`s a topic I use to post pictures taken with S120 -- http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3666913, there are some in the first post and then later among my posts as well, and I should be posting some new ones soon, too.

I pretty much like the results I got there, but please note that while I may know some things, I still consider myself an amateur, a lot of things yet to learn, so more advanced photographers might get even better results...

I see that you already made a decision (kind of ), yet here`re some of my thoughts about S120 and cameras that might be an alternative, depending on personal preference -here and here, might be informative... and I don`t think it will change your opinion

Thanks Boogish, and great photos!

The S120 seems to make all the sense right now. I got some great photos over the years with my S90, and I think the S120 will be an excellent upgrade on that!

I've been thinking of this too as of late.  Am satisfied with my S90, but I need to get my son a pocket-able but serious camera for his purposes (but apart from his iphone).  So I was thinking of handing it down to him.  At first I was going to sell it on ebay or something, but sadly the going rate is around $100...better to give it to my son.  Anyhow, I have not looked into the s120 or equivalents, but their price is a bit jarring.  Is the 120 worth ~$300 more than the 90? I think not. Since I dont do video maybe I feel like I'd be paying too much for feature I wouldn't use.  A certain US vendor claiming to be from our most northeastern state has an "international" version of the S120 for $245, but despite their good reviews, their bad reviews pertain to gray market listings with subsequent upsell calls.  I guess I'm just venting out loud, but I, too, and trying to figure out what to get after my S90 goes to my son.

Go with an s120 gray from DC-Trade, T-dimension, DWI (in that order). They all have very good ratings.